Reading

At Surrey Street, we are passionate about the teaching of reading and in ensuring that our children not only learn to read fluently but also develop a deep enjoyment of it. We have a wide selection of books available to children through our reading schemes and class libraries.

Children at our school get to take home 2 books each week: a reading book based on their current level of reading and a library book that can be freely chosen. At Surrey Street, like many other primary schools, we use a combination of reading schemes to complement our phonics programme and to reflect the different interests of our children.  The schemes are organised by level (bands), with children having the option to read different books from different schemes at the same level. We ensure that the books children are given as their reading book matches the phonics level they are currently at and contains the appropriate sounds. As previously mentioned, children also get to choose one library book from their class library to read for pleasure. Reading and library books are changed at least once per week, sometimes more if a child finishes more quickly.

Parents are encouraged to read at home with their child at least 3 times per week and to log this on our electronic reading record app BoomReader. Adults in school also log children’s reading on BoomReader.

One of the key strategies we use to foster a love of reading and to develop children’s ability to talk about books and reading is by every class having a class story. These are mapped out across the school so that children experience a diverse range of authors, characters and stories.